Author: scsadmin

When constructing a jigsaw puzzle experienced builders first sort the pieces by color and type (edge pieces and other pieces).  Then slowly the whole image becomes clear as pieces are assembled.  The other day it struck me that things are similar when trying to diagnose some complicated situations for patients.   It’s necessary to collect all...

So often we think of scars as only leftovers from a wound, physical or emotional.   Certainly scars begin with an injury and seem undesirable.  But even more importantly from my perspective, they are evidence of healing.   The biology of healing, the dance between cells called quickly to the site and the chemistry that drives their process...

It’s not easy to be patient.  With musculoskeletal problems and especially when considering surgery it is so important to take the big picture into account and ask oneself if there is, over a long period of time, any progress being made.  Realize, especially with arthritic disorders, that it can take an overloaded joint many weeks...

One of my patients recently shared this quote with me. “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”   Maya Angelou I have seen various estimates of how much we remember from what we hear.  It’s not good news. ...

Have you ever had a cortisone injection?  Do you know somebody who has had a cortisone injection?  If the answer to either of these questions is yes, you might be surprised to know that you're wrong. Doctors don't actually inject cortisone. In fact what is called a cortisone injection is actually an injection of a...

When is the best time to have a steroid injection?  Steroid medications can be very effective in decreasing inflammation.  The best way to put out a fire is sometimes to dump a big bucket of water right on the fire.  That’s kind of how we might best explain a steroid injection.  By putting the medication...

Your car tires WILL wear out eventually. Not so with your joints. Arthritis, which is joint damage resulting in cartilage loss and pain is not an inevitable result of aging or use. It is a common problem to be sure but it is not universal with aging. Heredity, injury and even some types of infection...

Would you ever think that you could fix a car while you are driving it?  Of course not.  Joints are much like transmissions.  They accept the load and transfer it.  Similarly, one has to slow down when trying to heal from many injuries or overuse conditions.  Our bodies have an amazing ability to heal when...

That’s better than a bike ride in the brisk fall air enjoying the splendor of early fall?  Bicycling not only can take you to some of the most beautiful places, it is a great exercise for fitness and rehabilitation.  Whether the bike is stationary or not, pedaling works all the muscles of the leg in...

Pain and trials are part of our daily lives.  Therefore, living with these things is something that requires effort and persistence.  It is not easy to deal with severe pain, whether it is physical pain and/or emotional pain.  However, some people deal with pain in such a way that it consumes them mentally.  Other people...